Saturday, December 25, 2010

There is a Chinese-Western Restaurant we go to once in a while. Its close to our house and some decent pasta! They had this display up last week, so of course the boys had to pretend they were Mr. and Mrs. Shrek

Today, our day started by going to church. They did not have a Christmas Eve service, and Renee had a part in the service so off we went. It was wonderful, and a great way to begin this day.
The service was about 2 hours, and was fileld with dances, skits and songs! The most moving part was the end, when we all stood as the choir sang the "Halleluia Chorus" It was amazing to hear it in Chinese, and was incredibly moving to celebrate the birth of our Savior in a country that does not recognize Him.

Renees part came from the choir the Saturday English corner put on. She did a great job!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Today, Renee and I saw something we had never seen before. We had a friend watch the boys for a few hours, while we went to lunch and took a walk around the river. Right in fromt of us, we noticed a fire and some people standing around. We watched it for a few moments, and Renee pointed out that she saw a skeleton. We noticed some fireworks, and that the lady pictured below was wiping away tears. We had stumbled upon a funeral, and the burning of the body.

As we watched the family climb the steps back up to the street, the woman turned and blew a kiss to the remains, and the guys gave a farewell wave. We could not imagine how hard that was, to watch the body of your loved one burn, while you left and resumed your normal life. I have no idea why they choose that method of saying goodbye, but it was very powerful and sad.

We have never seen anything like this in China. They do not embalm the bodies here, so most people are cremated the day (or the day after) they die..but never in public.

People do not get buried here very much, we have heard its because of a lack of space. Next to the deaf school there are some shops that sell engraved tomb markers, so at least a few are still buried, or at least a place is marked as a memorial.

Seeing things like this help us realize again just how much this country needs to hear of our Fathers love, and His hope and plan for us. That He can give us a peace, and give us something to look forward too; that in the end, life is more than just a pile of charred remains.

Every day, it seems we learn more about this amazing country we call home. Its an incredible adventure, one we are honored to be a part of.

The boys experienced their first snow yesterday. Well, snow may be to strong of a word...but they loved it. The forecast had been saying snow, and Tegan was desperate for it to come. So that morning, he prayed that it would snow. Later at school, he actually got on his knees and asked God for snow..and when he opened his eyes it was snowing! The flurries did not last long, but Tegan says he does not care. He saw snow...and Jesus brought it just for him!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

I want to talk about something that happened about a week ago. I was riding home on a public bus from school, and I sat down across from three ladies who were furiously signing to each other. I was in shock for a few minutes, as I felt like this was the opportunity that I had been waiting for. Getting involved in the Chinese deaf community is not easy..and here was my chance.

I waited for my nerves and their signing to take a break..then bravely told them hi! I told them my name, and asked what theirs was. They looked at me in complete shock! Here was a foreigner, on a bus outside of the city, signing to them in Chinese!

When they recovered from their shock..I told them I was an American, and then I had to stop! Thats about all I know! But one of the women could hear out of one ear…we had a kinship, as I explained that I too was deaf in one ear, but can hear out of the other. She was able to ask me what I was doing there, and all sorts of other questions these ladies had! I discovered that I can still read lips in Chinese, and that the deaf women could read my lips…even when speaking Chinese! I have not seen these ladies again, and may not. But I am so thankful that Father gave me that opportunity. That in a small way, he allowed me to be a part of the deaf community here, and gave me hope for the future. He is always so faithful to what we need. I love this life, and every day am humbled by what I get to do! Thanks for playing a part!